Nurture the delicate balance of give and take: Sun Messages

SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio - Each week I am pleased when my in-box is full of great possibilities to pass on to you. Though "Sun Messages" is not strictly a community calendar, I wish I could go to every event publicized here, and believe me - I often attend vicariously. And I wish there was space for everyone's full account; I do have to trim a bit at times.

But have you considered, faithful readers, that you can report back to me on what you have learned by branching out and trying something new? That way, I will reap the dividends of your curiosity and adventure! I will widen the circle as appropriate so that your feedback can yield new growth and possibilities for others, too.

Giving what you can and taking what you need is a reciprocal process that can keep us all in the loop.

Walk and unwind! I have enjoyed Acacia on my own during various seasons and with my trusty canine, Robin. I learned that the South Euclid Garden Club invites you to join the group on Tuesday June 21, 6:30 p.m., for a guided tour of the grounds at Cleveland Metroparks-Acacia Reservation at 26899 Cedar Road in Lyndhurst. Wear your walking shoes so that you can spend some time getting fresh air, meeting new friends and enjoying nature while learning about this recently renovated addition to our area. Meet at the parking area near the kiosk. There is no charge; all are welcome. For answers to your questions, call 216-382-0707.

An artist within. What was the inspiration for that attractive Tri-C JazzFest Poster this year? If you are a creative type and/or like to know where good ideas come from, you may savor this tidbit. Marissa Kest, 23, of Mayfield Heights -- a Tri-C graphic design major -- shared the source of her inspiration: a Playhouse Square chandelier. "I made a subtle chandelier shape," Kest explained, "and I filled it with art and jazz music and references to downtown Cleveland. It ended up going along the lines of jazzy and art nouveau. It changed a lot, but that's graphic design."

Marissa Kest David Richard

Art runs in her blood, some might say. "I have been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon," Kest said. By 16, she was taking freelance jobs she landed by networking with friends and family. She did designs for Cleveland Metroparks and earned college credit for design classes taken while still a student at Mayfield High School. So perhaps not so surprisingly, this year, Kest designed the official poster for the 37th annual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, presented by KeyBank. The downtown music festival runs June 23-25 at Playhouse Square, as some may already know.

Kest seeks inspiration in nature, taking long walks with sketchbook in hand. She likes the design process, taking art from sketchbooks and transforming it into graphic designs she can share. Persistent, she commutes 45 minutes each way from her Mayfield Heights abode to Tri-C's Western Campus in Parma and is on track to graduate this fall. She said she would love to work as a freelance designer and is now illustrating a commercial guide to playing piano and creating a brand identity for a startup.

Decluttering: The process of de-cluttering is much easier said than done for me, but I'm trying. Summer is when I attack the stacks with a fury. Feel free to laugh at my foibles, if you want to read about them as chronicled in Inside Higher Ed. (Yes, the cheese croissants from the former Sherwin's party center in Mayfield Heights -- where I was married -- really did show up in a box several years later.) And the dear friend who lent me nine of her anti-clutter books meant well but sometimes it's about doing, not just reading. Here's a tip, in any case: There is at least one inventive use for those precious greeting cards! Click on this if you are curioushttp://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com/donate-used-christmas-cards.html

Richmond Heights reaches out:

Looking for a home, condo or apartment? There are many options in our area. And the City of Richmond Heights offers a hearty welcome. I learned via email that Christel D. Best, Economic Development Director, is spreading the word about the Richmond Heights Residential Real Estate Showcase to be held at La Taqueria, 5115 Wilson Mills Road, Saturday, June 25 from 9:30 a.m. - Noon. This year between 100 and 125 participants are expected - from potential buyers to business owners. Richmond Heights has rich housing stock ranging from stately ranches in established communities to brand-new modern homes in prestigious and fresh developments, Best shared with me. In addition, Richmond Heights has beautiful walking trails, diverse international cuisine, a popular recreation department, convenient retail and a strong sense of community.

The city is also looking for local businesses to participate in the showcase event and to become part of making it a success. Participants can range from professional sponsors to speakers to booth participants.

"Perhaps your organization would like to be a presenter and talk about credit scores, mortgage rates or the types of housing stock in Richmond Heights," Best wrote. "Additionally, we need a presenter to discuss the benefits of home ownership and why now is the best time to buy or sell. In the area of sponsorship, we are looking for donations of $50. With sponsorship, your company logo will go on all marketing materials used for the event. As an added benefit, complimentary participant booths are available for those who present or sponsor the event."

Lunch bells: The Richmond Heights Local Schools is participating in the Summer Food Service Program, a worthy endeavor. Meals will be provided to all children without charge at Richmond Heights Elementary daily from Noon to 1:00 p.m.